When a breach birth leaves Paulo severely disabled, his father, the articulate, unsentimental Professor Frigerio, struggles to come to terms with his sonβs condition. Face to face with his own limitations, Frigerio confronts the strange way society around him handles Paoloβs handicaps and observes his surprising gifts. In spare, deeply affecting episodes, the professor of language explores the nuanced boundaries between βnormalβ and βdisabledβ worlds.
A remarkable memoir of fathering, winner of the 2001 Strega Prize, Italyβs most prestigious literary honor, Born Twice is noted Italian author Guiseppe Pontiggiaβs American debut. Sometimes meditative, often humorous, and always probing, Pontiggiaβs haunting characters linger and resound long after the book is done.